dst said:What he presumably means is; Will a lightning storm induce, in a person who is moving on the ground, a current sizeable enough to kill them? If so, to where does this current flow?
Physicsissuef said:Yes that's was the point. Thanks for correcting me. Actually the question is: "Will a lightning storm induce, in a person who is moving on the ground, a current? If so, how the electrical circuit will be closed?"
btw-English is not my native language.
Physicsissuef said:Yes that's was the point. Thanks for correcting me. Actually the question is: "Will a lightning storm induce, in a person who is moving on the ground, a current? If so, how the electrical circuit will be closed?"
btw-English is not my native language.
NoTime said:First, lightning strikes do not last long enough for you to move any significant distance.
However, you don't need to move since the lightning itself is moving charges.
So yes, a current will be induced in nearby objects, like you.
Electrical circuits do not need to be closed, in the sense that you are thinking of, for a current to flow.
NoTime said:You can just stand.
NoTime said:Moving charges (the electrons in the lightning) generate a magnetic field.
The changing magnetic field, as the lightning starts and stops, moves electric charges.
The same principal that the transformer is based on.
TVP45 said:In the normal sense of currents, nearby lightning strikes (say 30 m away) do not induce currents in a human body. There are currents induced in fences and wires which are metallic conductors but not in the body (unless you want to define small dislocations of ions as currents).
I do not need a closed circuit in order to have current, please explain me how?TVP45 said:It would be impossible to answer all the "what-if"s about this situation. In general, you will not see a measurable current in the body. You do not need a closed circuit in order to have a current. And, to be more correct, it is not the current that is induced in such a case, but the voltage.
Is there a point to your question? Perhaps that might be more illuminating.
Integral said:A lighting strike creates a very large potential gradient in the Earth around it. If you are standing facing the strike then chances are good that your feet will each be on the same equipotential line, and no harm will come your way.
On the other hand if you are standing such that the strike in on your left or right chances are good that your feet will NOT be on equipotential lines and you will be come a conductor. The current path would then be in one leg and out the other, this can cause potentially fatal injuries.
The case of a lighting strike is a good example of when the Earth will NOT be at zero potential.
Physicsissuef said:So the Earth will gain potential from the lighting? I mean when lighting strikes, the protons are going up, and the electrons down. So in the air high up, there is build of positive charge (+) and on the ground build of negative charge (-), right?
Physicsissuef said:I do not need a closed circuit in order to have current, please explain me how?
As you move while holding onto a conductive object like a metal rod, the rod cuts through the Earth's magnetic field. This motion creates a change in magnetic flux, which in turn induces an electric current in the rod. This current can then flow through your body if you are in contact with the rod.
Yes, induced current can be dangerous if it is strong enough. It can cause electric shock, burns, and even disrupt the normal functioning of your heart. The severity of the danger depends on the strength of the current and the duration of exposure.
To protect yourself from induced current, avoid touching any conductive objects while moving during a lightning storm. If you are caught outside during a storm, seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle. If you are indoors, stay away from windows and avoid using landline phones, as they can conduct electricity.
No, it is not safe to use electronic devices during a lightning storm. The electrical currents induced by lightning can travel through power lines and other conductive materials, and can damage or destroy electronic devices. It is best to unplug all electronic devices and stay away from them until the storm has passed.
Some people may feel a tingling sensation during a lightning storm if they are in contact with a conductive object that is experiencing induced current. This sensation is caused by the electric current flowing through their body, and it can range from mild tingling to a more severe shock. It is important to avoid contact with any conductive objects during a lightning storm to prevent this sensation and potential harm.